The intent of these data is to make high-resolution bathymetry available to the public for a wide variety of uses such as research and earth science analysis. These data are not intended to be used for navigation. Nautical charts produced and certified by NOAA should be used for navigational purposes. For more information on NOAA's nautical charts, go to NOAA's Office of Coast Survey website at: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov.

Multibeam data is collected by vessels of varying characteristics including ships, small boats, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly NGDC) archive raw data, processed data, and associated products. All data and products are made available to the public via NCEI's map services and search interfaces.